DOMESTIC BEEEDS OF SHEEP. 11 



Rambouillet, which is located about 40 miles west of Paris. Three 

 years later, M. Guilbert was sent to Spain to purchase foundation 

 stock, and he selected individuals from the best flocks of the King- 

 dom. He landed 366 head at Rambouillet, and he made another pur- 

 chase in 1799, but the latter importation lacked the quality of the 

 first lot. These sheep were the nucleus of the breed. 



It is claimed that they were developed entirely by selection. The 

 French Government records of the evolution of the breed are re- 

 markably complete and by far the most comprehensive in existence. 

 Increasing the size seems to have been the principal consideration at 

 the outset, and for a time constitution suffered at its expense. Later 

 this was remedied, and the "French" Merino to-day differs from the 

 Spanish in being more robust, larger, having a much superior form, 

 and having fewer folds. They are better covered with wool, espe- 

 cially over the head, and the fleece is heavier and contains less oil 

 and gum. The breeding qualities are also improved and early ma- 

 turity developed to a greater degree. 



All the credit for the development of the Rambouillet is not, how- 

 ever, due to the French Government. Private flocks were estab- 

 lished in France at the beginning of the last century, and these sheep 

 were later introduced into northern Germany. In the latter country 

 the Von Homey er flock at Ranzin, Pomerania, was one of great 

 excellence. This flock was dispersed in 1898, upon the death of the 

 owner. These sheep have also been introduced into Russia, Austra- 

 lia, Argentina, and the United States. 



The career of the Rambouillet in this country has been somewhat 

 checkered. They were first introduced by D. O. Collins, of Hart- 

 ford, Conn., in 1840. Several other importations were subsequently 

 made, but the breed did not prove very popular. They lacked in 

 constitution and did not thrive. Interest in the breed waned until 

 near the close of the century. In 1882, W. G. Markham, of New 

 York, after visiting Europe and being highly impressed with the ex- 

 cellence of this breed in Germany, received a present of a ram and 

 two ewes from the Von Homeyer flock. Two more importations 

 from this flock followed in 1885 and 1891, respectively, and an ex- 

 hibit of these sheep was made at the Columbian Exposition in 1893. 

 They created a great deal of favorable comment and were called 

 "Elephantine" Merinos- because of their large size. 



To-day this breed is widespread in its distribution. Their herding 

 qualities, their improved mutton form, and their heavy fleeces have 

 made them especially popular upon the range. Wyoming, Utah, 

 Montana, Washington, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, and 

 Oregon are the most important Rambouillet States in this section. 

 The breed is also quite widely distributed through the farming sec- 

 tion. The superior breeding qualities of the ewes adapt them to the 



